Can Al Boum Photo make Gold Cup history? Trainers and jockeys have their say

Al Boum Photo (far side): jumps the last on his way to a second Cheltenham Gold CupCredit: John Grossick

Conor O'Dwyer and Jenny Pitman head a four-person panel who offer their verdict on whether they are for or against Al Boum Photo as he bids to win a third consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup.

'I struggle to find one to beat him'

It's hard to go back and win a second one, never mind a third one. But at the same time, he's had the same preparation and there's no better man than Willie Mullins to get him there in great shape. I struggle to find one to beat him.

If you had your choice of rides, you couldn't not pick him. I'm not saying there isn't strength in depth. But there are horses that have been there and had their chance, they're not getting any younger. There's no negative with the horse: he has the best trainer, the best jockey and he's been there. He has everything going for him.
Conor O'Dwyer, Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle-winning jockey

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'I would love to see Native River come back for the Tizzards'

He's still young enough. He's not too keen, he gets into a rhythm, he minds his own business and what's going on around him doesn't seem to affect him. Burrough Hill Lad was that way, you could never switch him on. When a photographer used to turn up to take his picture, he'd look like a cab horse. He got on with his job and wasn't phased by anything and Al Boum Photo seems to be the same.

When we come into the spring, some horses blossom and he's clearly one of those. But I would love to see Native River come back for the Tizzards at the age of 11. It's a tough ask but he looked a million dollars when he won last time.
Jenny Pitman, Gold Cup and Grand National-winning trainer

Al Boum Photo is not the only previous Gold Cup winner in the field as Native River bids to recapture the glory of his 2018 successCredit: Michael Steele (Getty Images)

'I think A Plus Tard is the likeliest winner'

I would be inclined to go against Al Boum Photo on account of the ground. I think he would prefer a bit more of an ease and it looks set to dry out even further for Friday.

It’s hard to go against a trainer and rider in form which is why I’ll nominate A Plus Tard as the most likely winner. Henry de Bromhead’s horses are in exceptional form and Rachael Blackmore is riding really well. I wouldn’t rule out Champ but I think A Plus Tard is the likeliest winner.
Noel Meade, seven-time Irish champion trainer

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'I think he'll do it again'

I'm for Al Boum Photo. I think a lot has been made of the fact we haven't seen him as much as the others and people don't like that and it's almost put a bit of a dampener on the story.

I'm a massive Willie Mullins fan, and I thought Al Boum Photo looked very good at Tramore and did everything he'd done in the past. There's loads with chances in the Gold Cup this season, and it's a tougher race than the one he won last year, but I think he'll do it again.
Lizzie Kelly, Grade 1-winning jockey

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